Unvaccinated nurses

sir – On Thursday a district nurse came to see a 95-year-old relative who is extremely vulnerable.

The care was given in very close proximity and involved touching. At the end of the visit I heard that the nurse had not yet been vaccinated.

I rang our GP to ask how this might have happened and was told that all staff had been offered vaccinations repeatedly and if they had not had one it was through their own choice.

What is the truth in this matter? Are unvaccinated nursing staff allowed to visit elderly patients? Are we putting employees’ rights before the lives of the elderly and most vulnerable?

N S Everby

Callington, Cornwall

sir – I agree with the Queen (report, February 26) – it is selfish not to be vaccinated. The best way to eradicate Covid-19 is global vaccination, which is how we tackled smallpox.

Every adult has a civic duty to be vaccinated, unless they have a medical condition that excuses them. If they won’t listen to government advice, let’s hope they listen to our Queen. Charlotte Mackay

Shaftesbury, Dorset

sir – Since the pandemic began I have lived an isolated life in a remote location. I have used my car for small errands, including shopping.

On Thursday I received a letter from the NHS telling me not to leave the house. Short walks are permitted, as are medical appointments, but shopping must be organised using a third party. This arrangement must be put in place now and last until March 31 – even if I have had two vaccine jabs.

I know the NHS is busy, but I am reminded of a pop song from my youth that proclaimed: “The lunatics have taken over the asylum.” Tony Waldeck Truro, Cornwall